We recently connected with Lisa Kinzelberg and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

“Cities of the World” is my new series of oil paintings depicting aerial views of cities all over the planet. The series is especially meaningful as it celebrates the diverse, powerful and dynamic nature of the places we live, travel to and love. Everyone has a place or places that mean something to them…from the town they were born in and raised, to the first city they moved to after college, to the special places they vacation to or dream of going one day….. Although my work resembles maps, they are not strictly scientific renderings (though they are highly accurate). They are creative interpretations of the energy, spirit and soul of the cities via color, texture, movement and style.

The concept was born when my mentor remarked how my abstract paintings look like city grids. What if I applied my abstract technique to real maps? I was looking for a new way to connect my work with people, and since everyone identifies with specific places around the world, the the idea felt like a no-brainer…. and a great challenge. I was migrating from pure abstraction to pop art or at least representational. That transition is another reason why this series is so meaningful to me. It is a big departure from my previous style but somehow also essential to it.

Lisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a fine artist based in Chicago. My work is available at Virgil Catherine Gallery in Hinsdale, Illinois, and is part of private collections around the U.S. I have been featured in numerous publications including Miami Living Magazine’s online cover for my debut at CONTEXT, Art Basel; in Hinsdale Living for my group show at Virgil Catherine Gallery; on the cover of Sheridan Road Magazine for my show at Vivid Gallery in Winnetka; as well as in North Shore Modern Luxury Magazine as a “local influencer.”

Coming from a long line of percussionists, I paint like a drummer, with rhythm and energy. I intentionally interrupt lines and scrape the surface, not stopping until a powerful yet quiet energy is achieved. My mission is to show people our worlds and reveal something deeper about ourselves.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Let’s face it — it is not easy to be an artist. From the dawn of time, artists have needed patrons in order to do what they do. As a society, for art to thrive, we need to continue to place a deep value on art by recognizing its impact on our culture, and to support the arts through buying art from living artists, funding art and art education and celebrating those who have made outstanding achievements in the arts. I see the creative ecosystem thriving even more right now because there seems to a be greater awareness of the investment potential and return on art, as well as economically powerful collaborations between fine artists and brands, music and pop culture.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission or goal — like any artist — is to celebrate our consciousness, our culture, our history and help make sense of / build connections in our lives. This is true of any practitioner of the visual arts, music or writing. I also believe all of us have a calling and purpose — something deep inside that tugs you to do one thing or another, and that you may have a natural ability for. Mine has always been creative, and in particular, drawing and painting. I hope what I create connects with others and gives them deeper meaning unique to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lisakinzelbergart.com
• Instagram: @lisakinzelberg
• Facebook: Lisa Kinzelberg Art

Image Credits

Photo of Lisa Kinzelberg by James Gustin / JWC Media